Mr. Rifleman represents individuals and businesses in complex and high-conflict legal matters, with a professional approach centered on precision, credibility, and strategic judgment. His practice includes litigation, mediation, arbitration, and advisory services. Over the course of his career, he has appeared before administrative agencies, municipal courts, state courts, and federal courts.

Jeff is known for a disciplined, ethics-driven approach to advocacy. He places a premium on accuracy, candor to the tribunal, and disciplined use of evidence—principles that guide both his litigation strategy and his negotiation style. Clients and colleagues alike recognize him for his ability to cut through noise, identify the controlling legal and factual issues, and present them clearly and persuasively. He does not rely on theatrics or volume; his effectiveness comes from preparation, credibility, and command of the record.

Before returning to private practice, Jeff served as Chief Legal and Compliance Officer for a nationally recognized, Inc.-ranked cosmetic manufacturing company. In that role, he advised the board of directors and C-suite executives on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, risk management, intellectual property, privacy, employment law, commercial transactions, and litigation strategy. That experience sharpened his ability to assess risk, balance competing interests, and provide practical, business-minded legal advice—skills he now brings to individual clients and families facing high-stakes decisions.

Jeff is particularly effective in matters involving complex facts, credibility disputes, and institutional processes. His background in compliance and governance informs his approach to cases involving government agencies, administrative proceedings, and regulatory frameworks, while his litigation experience ensures he is fully prepared to take a matter through hearing or trial when resolution is not possible. He is equally comfortable advising behind the scenes, negotiating durable agreements, or advocating forcefully in contested proceedings.

In addition to his litigation practice, Jeff is a Master Mediator and Mentor on the Utah Court Roster and an active member of the Utah Council on Conflict Resolution (UCCR) and the Utah chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC). He is also an arbitrator for class action settlements. As a neutral, he is respected for his fairness, preparation, and ability to manage difficult personalities while keeping proceedings focused on resolution and enforceable outcomes.

Jeff approaches mediation and arbitration with the same rigor he brings to litigation. He believes effective dispute resolution requires more than compromise—it requires a clear understanding of legal risk, human dynamics, and long-term consequences. His goal, whether acting as advocate or neutral, is to help parties reach outcomes that are principled, informed, and sustainable.

At every stage of representation, Jeff Rifleman is guided by a simple but demanding standard: tell the truth, know the law, respect the process, and protect the client’s interests with integrity.

• 17 Years of Legal Experience handling Utah divorce and custody matters
• 100+ Five-Star Google Reviews from clients across Utah County and Salt Lake County
• BBB A+ Rating reflecting consistent professionalism and client satisfaction

Representative Cases:

Jacobsen v. Jacobsen, 2011 UT App 161. Appeal affirmed trial court’s decision. (Appellee Representation)

This case involves a dispute over whether a post-marital agreement governing property and financial arrangements between spouses was valid and enforceable. The parties entered into a written agreement during the marriage that addressed issues such as the marital residence, division of equity, financial responsibilities, and waiver of alimony. After the parties later divorced, the trial court enforced the agreement and incorporated it into the divorce decree. One party challenged the agreement on appeal, arguing there was no true meeting of the minds, that it was not entered in contemplation of divorce, and that certain conditions precedent were not satisfied.

The Utah Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court, holding that the agreement was a valid and binding contract supported by a meeting of the minds and sufficiently definite terms. The court emphasized that agreements between spouses are generally enforceable under ordinary contract principles so long as they are negotiated in good faith and do not improperly constrain the court’s equitable authority. It rejected arguments that the agreement was invalid due to lack of contemplation of divorce or unmet conditions, concluding that the evidence supported the trial court’s findings and that no abuse of discretion occurred in enforcing the agreement or in the resulting property division.

Courtney v. Courtney, No. 20190321-CA (Utah Ct. App. Feb. 14, 2023) (unpublished order of affirmance). Appeal affirmed trial court’s decision.(Appellee Representation)
(Pursuant to Utah Rules of Appellate Procedure, Rule 30, this case decision is unpublished and the order will not stand as precedent but will otherwise have the same force and effect as other court decisions.)

Mr. Rifleman for the Appellee (Husband). This appeal by the Appellant Wife arose from a divorce action that ultimately turned on whether a settlement agreement reached in the courtroom was binding. During a January 14, 2019 hearing on discovery disputes, the parties requested time to negotiate and, while remaining in the courtroom, reached a full settlement. The terms were read into the record, and Wife affirmed that she understood the agreement, that it resolved all issues, and that she agreed to be bound. The parties then reduced the agreement to writing and signed it. Two days later, Wife attempted to repudiate the agreement, claiming she did not understand it and had acted under duress. The district court treated her objection as a motion to set aside the settlement, reviewed the audio of the proceedings, and found that she had knowingly and voluntarily entered into the agreement without duress. The court therefore enforced the agreement and entered the divorce decree consistent with its terms.

On appeal, the Utah Court of Appeals narrowed the case to whether the district court erred in enforcing the settlement, declining to address broader allegations regarding attorney conduct or discovery disputes. Applying contract principles, the court held that a binding agreement existed where there was a meeting of the minds and definite terms, and that enforcement is reviewed for abuse of discretion. The court concluded that the record supported the district court’s findings that Wife voluntarily agreed to the settlement and that no improper threat or lack of alternatives established duress. It further held that by entering into the settlement, she waived challenges to prior rulings in the case. Finding no error in the district court’s decision, the Court of Appeals affirmed the decree of divorce.

• Jeff speaks fluent Spanish and Portuguese.
• Founder/Managing Attorney at Rifleman Law & Mediation
• Master Mediator and Mentor on the Utah Court Roster
• SHRM – CP
• PCQI Certified (Preventative Controls Qualified Individual)
• Phi Delta Phi Fraternity Member
• Member UCCR (Utah Council on Conflict Resolution)
• Member AFCC (Association of Family and Conciliation Court) Utah Chapter
• AVVO Listing
• JUSTIA Listing
• Linkedin Listing
• Mediate.com Listing
• Thumbtack Listing

Practice Areas: Divorce | Child Custody & Support (includes Parentage/Paternity) | Alimony | Child Support | Property & Debts | Enforcement | Decree Modifications | Divorce Mediation | Mediation | Personal Injury | Estate Planning | Business Law

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Areas of Practice: Family Law, Estate Planning, Corporate and Employment Law, Mediation.

• Former Chief Human Resources Officer at Dynamic Blending Specialists, Inc.
• Founder/Owner at SMJ Law and Mediation

Practice Areas: Divorce | Child Custody & Support (includes Parentage/Paternity) | Alimony | Child Support | Property & Debts | Enforcement | Decree Modifications | Divorce Mediation | Mediation | Personal Injury | Estate Planning | Business Law

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Gavin Collier has co-founded a number of Utah businesses and is active in Utah business and legal associations. He has represented clients in civil and criminal law proceedings throughout Utah. His background includes work experience in Life Sciences, R&D Formulations, Operations, Business and accociated Legal Matters. He regularly consults with organizations regarding Regulatory & Compliance, Civil Litigation, Corporate Governance, Contract Negotiation & Drafting, Strategic Planning & Organizational Structuring, M&A Deal Structuring & Diligence, EBITDA and General Finance, Operations, Quality Systems and Corporate Legal issues.

• Gavin speaks fluent Spanish.
• Co-Founder and Former CEO at Dynamic Blending Specialists, Inc.
• Co-Owner and board member at NarcX Solutions, Inc.
• Co-Owner and board member at Launch Fulfillment, Inc.

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